Support specialized programs & schools made possible by optional attendance!

As a graduate of an arts school that inspired so much of the course of my life and that of my peers, I believe this institution is invaluable to our community and society.

You’ve chosen the easy way out. The more difficult, but correct, path is meeting the needs of each individual student. Gifted programs (like special ed programs, athletic programs, arts programs) are all critical to the success of the public education system. Why are you breaking something that works?

Phasing out the gifted program (and other specialized programs) is in direct contradiction to the Ontario Government Equity policy for Education which states Equity is not about sameness but about meeting each student’s individuals needs

Removing gifted or different education classes in the name of equity is all around a bad idea. We need to cater to the needs of different students, not give them all the same standards. This will have a terrible effect on all students, not just those in special programs.

Gifted education is essential for the gifted students!!! Sad to hear that instead of enchanting the gifted ed you decide to cut it.

Please do not integrate gifted programs with regular classes.

HEEEEHEEE before this closes down heres my last comment

If the assessment for the enrolment of special program is fair and open to the public, I don't see the reason 又 kill it. In my opinion, it has providef equal oppotunity to all students. What we should implement further as apposed to call stop the special program is to increase such resource by adding the fund. Another component that need to be considered is every kid has their own potentials and own preference. That being said it is not fair actually to ask all kids to sit inthe same class having some contents.

object the stupid recommendation

please keep!!!!

Keep it, It is the future of the city, the nation.

Keep Gifted Program!

DO NOT CUT FUNDING!!

Enhancing Equity is just politically correct nonsense for sharing misery. What happened to nurturing potential in students? These programs are a major asset, and if the powers that be wish to provide equal opportunities, they can start by injecting funding into arts programs that were gouged for years (and as crazy as it sounds, maybe put actual music teachers into classrooms).

I've been very silent on the potential closure of specialized schools because I did not like or enjoy my experience of going to a specialized high school. Now, let's not get this twisted, I met several amazing educators and students that even today I'm still friends with. After extensive creeping of my old major's social media I have discovered the senior students are now given a lot more opportunity than I was afforded when I went to school. For this reason I do believe that it is important to tailor education toward an individual, therefore arts schools are important to some people and it would be a disservice to phase out specialized schools that allow individuals to express their talents in ways "regular" streamed schools wouldn't. Sign and Share, everyone should get the experience they want from school. It's taken me far into my university education to understand this.

As a former Claude Watson student who went to the school out of my area, I have always valued and appreciated the gift that was given me. It was an amazing experience that shaped me immensely. Specialized programs should be promoted and developed not cancelled. Find a better way.

Toronto should be a place where those willing to work hard are supported. Adding school based extra curricular sand homework support for kids who live in homes where it’s difficult to stay organized helps level the playing field for admissions. There’s where we could see some increased fairness, perhaps. But cutting these specialized programs sends kids the message that we want them to be the same as everyone else, and that excellence isn’t noticed. I want to live in a city that is based on equal opportunity and rewards our hardest workers. Keep the programs.

keep claude watson

First of all, let me say that I went to a specialized high school and although I consider myself lucky to have been able to go my family is not what you would consider privileged. The argument that only the already privileged benefit from specialized schools is wrong. Period. Taking away the opportunity for kids who have found something they’re good at and want to pursue doesn’t create an equal playing field - it just robs those kids of an education that can literally change their lives. If you’re concerned about equality, create more programs, don’t take them away.

The TDSB should not close specialty schools like ESA. The TDSB already undervalues the importance of arts education. The TDSB does not provide enough funding to study the arts, whether that be in a regular public school or art schools. The TDSB should increase specialized programs to allow better access. The study of arts is just as important as academics and allows our students to be well rounded individuals. Studying an art form teaches a student discipline, to work hard, increases confidence, expression and communication etc. These qualities are valuable and will lead to future success.